The Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry joined parishioners and first communicants at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Cleveland for the 11 a.m. Mass on May 5.
But they were looking forward to a post-liturgy event when Father Gary Chmura, OLP pastor, would bless their motorcycles and pray with them for a safe riding season.
The ministry was launched a decade ago by Eric Wardrum, an OLP parishioner. A longtime biker, Wardrum said he was looking for a way to connect his love for his Catholic faith and his love of motorcycles.
“I knew I wanted to ride with Christians,” he said. But after riding with a Christian group of bikers for a while, something didn’t feel right, Wardrum said. “I heard this voice saying ‘why not start something with Catholics?’” His next step was to speak with Father Chmura, who connected him with Sister Rita Mary Harwood, SND, secretary for parish life and development.
After that, the Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry was established with the goal of bringing the love of Jesus to the streets and to those imprisoned.
Wardrum said there are several members in Northeast Ohio and the ministry has expanded to other states and countries, as well. He has helped establish ministries in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Florida, Texas and Michigan as well as England, Ireland and Costa Rica. Locally, ministry members hail from across Northeast Ohio including Middlefield, Norwalk, Huron, Hiram and Cleveland. They have a national organization and meet annually. The ministry also attends the daylong FEST at the Center for Pastoral Leadership each August.
“I had no idea where God would take this,” Wardrum said of his ministry. “It’s like Jesus did with his apostles. We all have a mission.”
Wardrum said some of the bikers participate in street ministry, including himself. He rides around the inner-city areas and is ready to help anyone in need. He carries cards about the ministry, rosaries and other information with him.
“People can relate to me because of my previous life,” Wardrum said, referring to his brush with the law in his younger days. “I see what people need and try to connect them with resources like Catholic Charities. I encourage them to contact me if they need anything and I try to bring them to Jesus.”
He said sometimes people are imprisoned or trapped by things that keep them from Christ.
Wardrum said just riding around while wearing his Catholic Cross Bearers MM black leather jacket with its purple and white ministry logo makes a statement. He also pursues his ministry while driving around in his car. “You plant the seeds wherever you can,” he said.
“I get a lot of praying done on my bike. It’s almost like a mini retreat. There’s lots of peace and prayer,” he said, adding that some riders say the rosary while on their bikes. “I’ve seen some people who keep a small decade rosary on their bike.”
The riders headed into the church parking lot after Mass, with Father Chmura – still in his white vestments -- joining them. First they gathered for prayer and remembered a special intention – for a relative of one member who was hospitalized.
Then Father Chmura went up and down the row of motorcycles, sprinkling them with holy water, blessing them and praying for the safety of the riders.
“Bless the modern-day chariots,” he said. “I need you to be reckless about your faith,” he added, encouraging the ministry members to continue their efforts to share their faith. “Don’t be reckless when you ride, but be reckless about sharing your faith.”
Wardrum said the annual motorcycle blessing takes place in early May each year as the riding season kicks off. He said May also is motorcycle awareness month.
For more information on the Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry, click HERE, visit the Facebook page, email Wardrum at catholiccrossbearersmm@gmail.com or call 440-596-0319.
